Digestive diseases

Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease)

🔴 Symptoms

Chronic abdominal pain
Persistent diarrhea, sometimes with blood
Severe fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Low-grade fever
Growth delay in children

🔴 Treatment

Anti-inflammatory intestinal medications (corticosteroids, aminosalicylates)
Immunosuppressants to reduce immune system activity
Biologic therapies targeting inflammatory causes
Surgery in case of severe complications or treatment resistance
Tailored diet and nutritional monitoring
Regular follow-up with a gastroenterologist

📌 Summary

Definition: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are autoimmune disorders characterized by persistent inflammation of the digestive tract. They evolve through flare-ups and periods of remission.
Affected population: Young adults between the ages of 15 and 35 are most affected, although the disease can occur at any age. Both men and women are concerned.
Common causes: Genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, environmental factors (smoking, industrial diet, stress), and disruption of the gut microbiota.

🔴 Prevention

Avoid smoking, a known aggravating factor
Limit ultra-processed and gut-irritating foods
Manage stress through relaxing methods (yoga, meditation)
Seek medical advice at the first signs of chronic digestive issues
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet

Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal ulcer)

🔴 Symptoms

Abdominal pain (often on an empty stomach or at night)
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Presence of blood in vomit or stool (black stools)

🔴 Treatment

Medications to reduce acidity (PPIs, H2 blockers)
Antibiotics in case of Helicobacter pylori infection
Avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Surgery in case of complications (perforation, hemorrhage)
Regular follow-up with a gastroenterologist

📌 Summary

Definition: A peptic ulcer is a deep lesion in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer), often painful, and can lead to digestive complications if left untreated.
Affected population: Adults between 30 and 60 years old, with a higher prevalence of duodenal ulcers in men. Individuals under prolonged stress or long-term anti-inflammatory treatment are more at risk.
Common causes: Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), chronic stress, alcohol, tobacco, and irritating foods.

🔴 Prevention

Avoid excessive use of aspirin and NSAIDs
Limit alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine intake
Maintain a balanced and regular diet
Reduce daily stress
Consult a doctor if persistent abdominal pain occurs
Promptly treat any Helicobacter pylori infection

Acute pancreatitis

🔴 Symptoms

Severe pain in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Abdominal bloating
Loss of appetite
Greasy or oily stools (steatorrhea) in case of pancreatic insufficiency

🔴 Treatment

Hospitalization for monitoring and intensive care
Resting the digestive system (temporary fasting)
Intravenous hydration (IV fluids)
Pain relievers to alleviate pain
Antibiotics in case of infection
Treatment of underlying causes: gallstones, alcoholism, etc.

📌 Summary

Definition: Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, often painful and potentially serious. It can lead to organ failure if not treated promptly.
Affected population: Adults, particularly those with excessive alcohol consumption or a history of gallstones. Men are slightly more affected.
Common causes: Gallstones, excessive alcohol intake, hypertriglyceridemia, certain medications, abdominal trauma, viral infections.

🔴 Prevention

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Treat gallstones promptly
Maintain a healthy, low-fat diet
Monitor blood triglyceride levels
Avoid medications known to cause pancreatitis (under medical advice)

Non-alcoholic liver diseases

🔴 Symptoms

Persistent fatigue
Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
Unintentional weight loss
General weakness
Sometimes no symptoms at the beginning (silent form)
In advanced stages: jaundice, abdominal swelling, confusion

🔴 Treatment

Gradual weight loss (goal: 7 to 10% of body weight)
Adoption of a healthy diet (e.g., Mediterranean type)
Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes per day)
Control of diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol
Specific medications for NASH (under development)
Regular monitoring of liver function

📌 Summary

Definition: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a group of conditions characterized by fat accumulation in the liver in people who consume little or no alcohol. It can progress to chronic inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and cirrhosis.
Population affected: Overweight or obese adults, people with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or high cholesterol. Children can also be affected.
Common causes: Obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sedentary lifestyle, and an unbalanced diet high in fats and refined sugars.

🔴 Prevention

Maintain a healthy body weight
Adopt a balanced diet low in sugars and saturated fats
Regular physical exercise
Avoid excessive sugar intake (sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods)
Monitor risk factors (diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure)
Regular medical check-ups for at-risk individuals

Autoimmune hepatitis

🔴 Symptoms

Persistent fatigue
Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Nausea, vomiting
Dark urine and pale stools
Joint pain
Enlarged liver

🔴 Treatment

Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation
Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine) to control the immune response
Regular monitoring of liver enzymes
Avoid alcohol and medications toxic to the liver
Liver transplantation in case of treatment failure or advanced cirrhosis

📌 Summary

Definition: Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks liver cells, causing inflammation that can progress to cirrhosis if untreated. It can occur at any age but is more common in women.
Affected population: Mainly women between 30 and 60 years old, but also children and adolescents in some cases.
Common causes: Genetic predisposition, immune system imbalances, coexistence with other autoimmune diseases (thyroiditis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), triggering viral infections, certain medications or toxins.

🔴 Prevention

No specific known prevention
Regular check-ups for individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases
Avoid substances toxic to the liver (alcohol, certain medications)
Immediately inform a doctor in case of unexplained symptoms
Strict adherence to treatment to prevent relapses